NO ONE SAID SUBMISSION WAS EASY

 

Romans 13:1-7

Living sacrificially are not idle words that Paul used to paint the picture

of a believer’s devotion. Sacrificially in Paul’s era and into our era, has the same meaning, because sacrifice meant even to the death. We don’t get to choose when we live sacrificially for Christ. It’s not an on and off switch to appease our conscience. At the time of Paul’s writing and before his letters, the Government, the Emperors, was free to take the life of anyone at any time. Scripture has revealed that truth in Matthew’s gospel. “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men….." Matt 2:16-18

 

Three decades later Herod Antipas who feared John the Baptist. “for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe.” Mark 6:20. Antipas, held a party and the woman he was with, her daughter danced provocatively and all that changed in a matter of minutes. “For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you." And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom." And she went out and said to her mother, "For what should I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist." And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.” Mark 6:22-28

 

The value of life in the Roman Empire changed like the weather. One day peaceful, and the next day it could lead to death. Paul has just given us some very important principles to live by in the Christian life as we approach this chapter. You could say this is a forerunner to how we treat civil governments. We are to be living sacrificially for the glory of God. We are to use our gifts for the glory of God, and the building of His kingdom. We are to exemplify the Love of Christ in the church, and those outside the covenant promises of God. We are never to execute revenge, or become vigilantes, but overcome evil with good. Why? “For great is your reward which is in Heaven.” Matt 5:12. God is the sovereign one over Judgment and vengeance, and God has ordained, and established an order on earth through civil magistrates. (v4)

What are we to do as Christian’s, as the church?

Submit, “Let every person be subject to governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (v1) Submitting is much easier when we like the people we must submit to, and especially when we find it beneficial for us. If I gave my children a large sum of money and told them to go buy a bicycle and all the accessories, they would probably enjoy submitting to me.  But naturally, when I tell my children to do something, they would rather not, and do what they want to do instead. (Example if I tell them to:  clean up their room, help with dishes, take out garbage,  recycling, carry the groceries into the house). By their nature they would rather go outside and play, or do something else. The same is true with Government, it is much easier to submit when we like who is in leadership; and when we agree with what the government is doing. Then it’s easy to submit. But here is the problem; many today in our government is not doing what we agree with, so therefore I shouldn’t have to submit. (now were playing on a slippery slope)

Does this mean we don’t have to obey?

Scripturally there is a time when we do disobey and that is when the magistrates cause us to sin, and we will address that next week. Looking at the text before this morning Paul is clearly saying we are to submit, because the test for submitting is not when we are happy with Government, but also when we disagree. It’s easy to submit when we are happy and things are going according to Michael or Julie. The real test is…..Are you going to submit to when the Government is ungodly, unfair, and unjust? This is where we must be very careful as Peter said, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:9-1

 

Peter says “Honor the emperor”

 

Do you know who the emperor was at this time? Nero, he was an open homosexual, and a murderer, and a tyrant who burned down have of Rome and blamed it on the Christians. Nero, was responsible for the death of Peter and his wife. Eusebius wrote these words that Peter said to his wife before they both were killed by Nero, “Peter, seeing his wife going to her martyrdom, (belike as he was yet hanging upon the cross,) was greatly joyous and glad thereof, who, crying unto her with a loud voice, and calling her by her name, “Bade (which means farewell) remember the Lord Jesus.” Nero also ordered the death of Paul, as he submitted to God all the way to the end as a means to encourage an already scared Timothy. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:6-7

 

Understand! Even under the reign of a ruthless and godless emperor, Peter and Paul wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which tells their readers to be in subjection to the government. Paul even goes to say, that no authority exists other than that established by God, and this rulers are serving God in their political office. See! If being godly was a prerequisite for submitting to a leaders and Governments, Peter and Paul would have never submitted to Nero. “Submit or be in subjection” is a military term referring to soldiers who were ranked under and subject to the absolute authority of a superior officer.

 

The verb here is a “passive imperative” this means that what Paul says is a command, and not an option. As Christians we are to willingly place ourselves under all governing authorities, despite whoever may be in office. Paul wrote to Timothy, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Tim 2:1-2. We are to live exemplified lives despites the Governments competency or incompetency, morality or immorality, cruelty or kindness, or even godliness or ungodliness. Despite what Government does and endorses, we are to be praying for them, and we are to live a peaceable life that emulates Christ. We may not like what we see, or what is happening, but we must respect the Office, because they are established by God, Himself. So, I want us to see what we are to submit to as Paul proclaims in this text which is your reasonable service and act of worship towards a holy God.

 

Submitting Is God’s Will For Your Life. (v1a)

 

Peter said, “Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors…” 1 Peter 2:13-14

 

I’m not naive or blinded to the fact that every single one

of us struggle with this.

 

Because in our sinful corruption we do this kicking and screaming against the authorities that are placed over us, just like a child who doesn’t get his or her way. We were created to submit whether you like it or not….. To….parents, the teacher or school principle, Law Enforcement, church elders and your local, provincial and federal magistrates. R C Sproul said in his commentary, “The universal call to submit to authority touches the root of our corruption. Everyone is a sinner, and every sin is an act of revolt against authority. If we respected the authority of God perfectly, we would never sin. Sin is a refusal to submit to the governing authority of God himself. And God knows that about us. If we are not willing to submit to God, it is more difficult to submit to the police department, the government and other authorities that rule over us.” And Paul is very clear here! It is the duty of every Christian to be in subjection to the authorities. Because the opposite of this is ultimately sin on our part, but it also produces anarchy. Peter said we are to do this for “the Lord’s sake” we submit to those in authority because we want to honor God. And we do not want to bring criticism or reproach to His glorious name. We are called to be an extraordinary model of civil obedience.

 

A prime example of this is when Joseph and Mary made the long trip to be registered that the Government required of them. “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered….And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” Luke 2:1-5

 

This was a hazardous journey of 160 km (give or take), possibly encountering wild animals and thieves, which went along the Jordan River and through the hills of Jerusalem. They risked their lives and the life of their unborn child to obey the civil magistrates. Why? According to Paul, God is the One who placed those people over you. We are called to be an extraordinary model of civil obedience. And if God has appointed every civil ruler, every governing authority, then why should any Christian fear submitting to that which God has appointed? As Daniel said, “He removes kings and sets up kings.” Daniel 2:21

Disobeying Government Is Disobeying God. (v2)

“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed.” (v2a) To rebel against authority is to rebel against God. Our responsibility is to submit, is not cancelled because the person in authority is a godless and wicked person. We submit because the position has been established by a holy and sovereign God. When laws have been put into place we are to obey those laws…. Pay taxes, register vehicles, have car insurance, renew driver’s license, renew health card, passports for international travel, permits for building, hunting and fishing quotas, education whether public or homeschool.  

Take this simple example of obeying traffic laws…… If the speed limit is 80km and you do 100km hour, you are disobeying the laws that are before you, which means your disobeying God. You might rationalize that you are not doing anything wrong! But that doesn’t change the fact that you are disobeying to laws that are posted. You might say, “It’s not that big of deal so relax, I didn’t get caught, no harm no foul. But what if you look at that scenario through the lenses of a Biblical Worldview? God sees your disobedience to a simple rule of obeying traffic signs, and you now have disobeyed God, whether you got caught or not. If we were to cheat on our taxes and no one found out, it would still be sin and the same rule applies to the laws that are before us. (Now there are exceptions if it causes us to sin, that is next week) In the simple matter of speeding, or cheating on our taxes, we must be very careful to not rationalize sin and only obey those laws that are convenient for us. The principle is easy but the application is difficult as R C Sproul states, “We are not free, however to disobey the civil magistrates when we disagree with it or when authorities make us suffer or experience inconvenience.” Remember! This text of Scripture was written under the heavy hand of the Roman Government. 

Do not think that God doesn’t see the struggles you and I face

to submit those He has ordained over you and me?

  

During Paul’s second missionary journey after writing this letter to the Romans, he returns to Jerusalem and arrested; imprisoned at Caesarea. Appears before Festus and appeals to Caesar; he returns to Rome. He is put under house arrest at Rome; writes letters to Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. Released; then journeys to Spain; and writes letters to Timothy and Titus. Returns to Rome; and gets martyred by Emperor Nero. Understand when Paul put his head on the block; his last thought was that Nero’s authority to have his head removed was ultimately from God. Remember what Jesus said, “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?” Luke 18:7. What Jesus said goes with what Paul said in Chapter 12 “Vengeance is mine, I will repay says the Lord.” (v19)

 

Disobeying Government Brings Wrath. (v2)

 

, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (v2b)

 

The wrath of government is not pleasant to think about; but without it, our society would turn to anarchy and civil unrest. This is why we have the institution of laws, to protect those who have been sexually assaulted, physically assaulted, or abused. This is why we punish murderers, all forms criminal activity, or driving infractions from drunk driving, to careless driving charges. Are all laws instituted handled perfectly? No, but if we had nothing, we would be a worse off as a society.

God has put them in place to provide for order and safety until the King of kings comes. These laws are to put fear into the heart of man, so they know that there are consequences for every wrong decision. (v3-v4). If you break the law, the authorities will quickly respond with the sword of justice.mIf we didn’t have any authority over us, we would do exactly what Paul told us never to do in the previous chapter. (Rom 12:19) We would be a people of chaos and destruction, filled with rage and bitterness towards one another. Now I will be the first to say we are living in strange times where up is down, and right is wrong. But this still doesn’t give me, or you, the right to disobey even if it’s a corrupt government or system.

 

Obeying Government Brings A Clear Conscience (v5)

“for the sake of conscience” (v5)

 

Fearing punishment is a good reason to obey government. For the Christian we want to have a clear conscience before God, we don’t want to break the law (Laws only, not proposed laws, but the ones that are in place. Keeping in mind the laws of that land that doesn’t cause or force you to sin. We many not like the many of the laws that we have in place in our country, and for good reason. From...

Children being allowed taking puberty blockers.

Abortion up to the day of delivery.

Same sex marriage.

Assistant suicide for the terminally ill, and now those with mental health issues.

Transgenderism and whatever you declare yourself to be on any given day.

Bill C12, Bill C4“conversion therapy” and any other newly appointed bills.

Funding other countries, when our country’s needs are not being met.

A broken heath system that is failing Canadians and many has died because of it.

Separating Canadians due their vaccination records and status.

Illegal immigration From January 2017 to March 2018, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police intercepted 25,645 people crossing the border into Canada illegally.

Seizing of bank accounts whether you agree or disagree with their politics.

Erroneous charges given to people who call the out government for not listening to the people and their concerns.

 

Though I hate these laws, a will speak against them with gentleness, but understand….. None of these laws or proposed laws is causing you and I too sin, or that were being forced to do them. It’s our Christian duty, not constitutional or political duty, to write your members of parliament about your grievances and concerns. This grieves a holy God, and these leaders will face the judgement of God and this should concern us all to be more to share the gospel. We are to be a voice in a broken world system as we obey all forms of government both locally and federally.

 

Submitting Silences Foolish Accusations. (v6-v7)

Peter wrote, “For such is the will of God, that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men” 1 Peter 2:15. Another reason why we subject ourselves under those whom God has placed over us is, so that we have a good testimony and not be rightly charged with slanderous accusations. Paul knew how important this was because he was being accused as a trouble maker by the high priest when they confronted the local magistrates. “For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. He even tried to profane the temple, but we seized him.” Acts 24:5-6

But, Paul said this in defense to silence his assurers. “And when the governor had nodded to him to speak, Paul replied: "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. You can verify that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, and they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the temple or in the synagogues or in the city. Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” Acts 24:10-16

 

Paul set them straight by the testimony he lived, because their charges were easily debunked and discredited. These slanderous accusations sometimes come with the being a Christian and we are to never give them reason for their accusations to be true. As Peter said, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:15-17. When we submit even when it’s tough it emulates a genuine heart of worship and it demonstrates our love for God And God is pleased and brings blessings. “But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" Luke 11:28